Dining among the Vines

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup.

All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped,

but with others, drink the whole bottle.”

― Paulo Coelho, Brida

It was summertime in California when I rode up to Napa Valley, a place that I had been dreaming to visit, especially after watching the romantic film “A Walk in the Clouds”. While Napa Valley has the impression of being jam-packed with tourists at this time of the year, I actually found the place rather private and tranquil. This added more charm to its picturesque backdrop: acres upon acres of vineyards, crystal clear blue skies and open spots where deers would occasionally run by.

Before hitting off its world-renowned wineries (the valley is also the home of more than 500 wineries, many of them producers of famous wine brands such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), our host promised, “First, let’s have a good lunch.”

While deciding on what to order, we were served with freshly made bread which we slathered with creamy, unsalted butter. Our host opened a six-year-old bottle of Hendry red wine which we sipped mindfully. For starters, I had Greek Salad. I appreciated that the healthy veggies in my salad plate were both crisp and fresh. They were using parmesan cheese and vinaigrette sparingly, so the flavors of the vegetable salad was put to the forefront. For my main course, I chose Fresh Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Red wine was supposed to be paired with red meat, but who cared about rules when you were dining among the vines? While I wished my salmon was paired with mashed potatoes, I didn’t mind that steamed vegetables took its place.

I learned that this restaurant is family-owned and has been serving diners for 34 years now. Olive Tree is usually a venue for special dates and family events, and I could see why. I thought it was perfect for first dates or wedding proposals. It was also mentioned that Hollywood celebrities would dine in this place when they visit Napa Valley.

About the author /

Christabel G. Chao‘s profession as a psychologist requires her to travel to different parts of the world, especially the U.S. and Asia. In between case conferences, research presentations, and workshops, she enjoys learning about new places, people, cultures and events. A romantic by heart, she finds inspiration in communing with nature, stopping and staring at iconic places, and sipping coffee in cafes that are “away from it all".

Follow Us Pls.

Like us pls…

Calaguas island

Friends

“Balanghai” theme to symbolize One Town One Product (OTOP) The Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair (NTF) 2017 will be held from December 6 to 10, 2017 at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. This year’s edition of the Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair will have the “balanghai” as its centerpiece. Beyond its function […]

The Side Tripper

“Make sure you don’t take any side trips,” warns Schumler, from a phrase in the 1993 American film Swing Kids. If you are someone who does not have time to lose, then it is better for you to stick to your main agenda, because there is something about side tripping that submerges the soul in experiences that sometimes make you hope that time would stand still, as the experiences they bring can be more impactful than the main trip itself. It is that free flowing agenda, an unexpected sleepover or a detour that has unintentionally brought pleasant surprises. You can live without it, like you can eat a cake without its icing, but your journey may not be as meaningful. If travel is the ‘best medicine for the heart’,* then for me, side trips are secret ingredients to the most memorable travels and other events that can happen in between or off the main route of one’s itineraries. Welcome to Side Tripper, a collection of photographs and blogs about the many side trip adventures of our family and friends. *Source: The Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association (Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2013 by Chris Erskine)